Parker Dannenberg
Student Parker Danneberg grew up hearing about the excitement of Semester at Sea. Both parents had done the program; his mom on the Spring 1982 voyage and his dad on the Spring 1983 voyage. Following suit, Danneberg’s sisters did Semester at Sea in Spring 2009 and Summer 2012.
“I’ve never thought about other study abroad programs really,” Danneberg said.
Taking advantage of the unique classes on board, Danneberg is able to make the Fall 2014 voyage his own by studying business. Having the classes vary from voyage to voyage has also contributed to Danneberg feeling like he is getting a different experience from his family. Still, he feels like his family has been a good support system throughout the voyage so far.
“I’ve been able to email them and they know exactly what I’m going through,” Danneberg said.
Both his parents and sisters told him different tricks and tips for Semester at Sea. They had ideas for things to do in specific ports, suggested sleeping on the deck of the ship and finding a quiet spot for reflection. Despite having some inside perspectives, Danneberg did not really know what to expect.
“The program has changed a lot from when my parents did it,” Danneberg said. “What’s cool about Semester at Sea is that it’s different every time.”
Elisabeth Narlock
For junior Elisabeth Narlock, this fall was finally the chance to experience her own voyage with Semester at Sea. Her older sister Jessica went on three different voyages, her brother-in-law Charlie went on two and her brother Adam once. It is comforting to Narlock that her family has shared similar experiences.
“They are able to talk to me about how I am feeling and the experiences I am already having in a way that helps me cope with them,” Narlock said.
No one in Narlock’s family had been to Portugal or Morocco, so those ports have uniquely stood out to her. Having so much background on ship life, classes, and different cultures before she even started has helped her to develop a deeper perspective. Although she heard almost everything about Semester at Sea, Narlock is still having her own adventure.
“Even though it is similar to some of the explorations that my sister and brothers have had, the people I have met through the programs are vastly different,” Narlock said.
Narlock was heavily influenced to do the program after seeing how her siblings were changed for the better. It is one more thing that connects them all together. She is excited to talk about her experiences when she gets back home and is loving following in her family’s footsteps.
“It’s a tradition that I am sure the next generation of our family will follow in as well,” Narlock said.
Sarah Pitts
My older sister, Emily, embarked on her Semester at Sea voyage as a college senior during the Fall 2012. It was my first semester of college; I was living in a new state and selfishly wishing my sister wasn’t sailing around the world. Still, I looked forward to her weekly email, anticipating details about new people, interesting places and amazing food. I went to the University of Oklahoma knowing that I wanted to travel abroad and after my sister returned from Semester at Sea, I knew I had to do it too.
She didn’t tell me much about what to expect other than the constant country hopping, ship food and the lifelong friends I would make. I was glad not to know too much because I wanted the Fall 2014 voyage to be my own experience and to learn things first hand.
My voyage has been a bit different with an itinerary that explores more Northern European countries. Her voyage was unable to go to Morocco, so when she saw it was on my itinerary she and her old Semester at Sea roommate, Sara Spear, seized the opportunity and decided to meet the ship in Casablanca.
Seeing my sister was so relieving because I was able to share my experiences so far with someone who not only completely understood, but also could see how I’ve already changed. I finally understand her need for adventure and her constant curiosity about the world. She knows how I will continue to grow during the remainder of the voyage and I can’t wait to see her again back home in Colorado and further share our experiences.
